Is Rock City Park Worth the Day Trip?

Rock City Park should definitely be on your day trip bucket list! It’s one of my favorite places to go in Kansas.

The park is a few miles southwest of the small town of Minneapolis, Kansas. It’s a relatively small park but it’s a fun place to travel to.

A wide-angle view of Rock City Park, Kansas, with spherical boulders, a giftshop, pavilion, and trees.

What’s There To Do At Rock City Park?

Rock City Park sits on a peaceful hilltop about 20 miles north of I-70. It’s a well-manicured park that’s maintained by local volunteers.

You’ll be amazed at the huge natural sandstones that cover an area about the size of two football fields.

The sandstone formations are different shapes and sizes. Some of them look like enormous balls of yarn sitting in the lawn. And some of them look like gigantic biscuits.

A few of the rock formations look like someone came along and popped the top layers off and left the flat, round base for us to see.

I’ve seen kids of all ages playing, jumping, and climbing on the rocks.

The nature trail takes you across open meadows at Rock City Park, Kansas.

Other Things to Do At Rock City Park

While the spherical boulders are the main attraction at Rock City Park, there are plenty of other things to do as well.

A nature trail takes you through a small patch of woodlands, and then across open meadows. As you hike along this trail, you’ll see the rich flora and fauna, and you’ll be able to look across the Kansas landscape for breathtaking views.

There’s even a section along the nature trail that’s lined with birdhouses.

Rock City Park also has pavilions, picnic areas, a stage, and shelters. It’s a great place for weddings, family reunions, and other outdoor events.

A seasonal gift shop and learning center is open from May 1 through Labor Day, 8 am to 5 pm.

The nature trail at Rock City Park, Kansas, takes you through a few wooded sections.

Does Rock City Park Charge Money for an Admission Fee?

Rock City Park is maintained and operated by a non-profit organization. I’m sure it costs a fair amount of money to keep the park as beautiful as it is.

While no one is there to charge an admission fee, the park has a self-pay station with a suggested donation of $3 per adult, and 50¢ per child.

A shaded pavilion at Rock City Park, Kansas, is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the park.

Directions to Rock City Park, Kansas

It’s pretty easy to get to Rock City Park.

If you’re heading west on I-70, go north when you get to the Highway 81 exit. The take the exit to Highway 18 and go west. Turn north on Highway 106. And then turn west on Ivy Road. In about a ¼ of a mile you’ll see the driveway.

A sign that points to the Doughnut-Hole Rock at Rock City Park, Kansas.

If you’re heading east on I-70, go north toward Culver when you get to the Hedville exit (Exit 244). Turn east on Highway 18, and turn north on Highway 106. Turn west on Ivy Road and you’ll see the driveway soon after.

If you’re heading south on Highway 81, turn east when you get to the Highway 106 exit. Take Highway 106 through Minneapolis. It will turn south. Turn west when you get to Ivy Road, and the driveway to Rock City Park will be about a ¼ of a mile to your right.

The Doughnut-Hole Rock at Rock City Park, Kansas.

Is Rock City Park Worth the Day Trip?

In my opinion, Rock City Park is definitely worth the day trip. Whether you traveling by yourself, or with your favorite person, or taking your family out for the day, I highly recommend visiting this unique spot in Kansas.

I’d also recommend visiting Minneapolis. It’s a nice little town with a fun park for the kids, and a quaint downtown district that defines Small Town USA.

Click here for more information about Rock City Park and things to do in Ottawa County, Kansas.